Short story writer Linda Lewis (aka Catherine Howard) earns a living writing mainly short stories for magazines including The People’s Friend. She gives talks, runs workshops, teaches at summer schools and works as a tutor for the Writers Bureau.
See www.akacatherinehoward.weebly.com for more details.

Sunday, 31 July 2011

I finished getting my novel ready for Lulu this morning. Spent ages getting the cover done as I can never remember how to manipulate photos. Took much longer than I thought it would. Anyway, it’s done now so I’ve ordered 6 so that I can take some to Swanwick.
It’s my last full day with these two wonderful dogs so I made the most of it – watched the Grand Prix with one dog on my lap and the other one beside me on the sofa. Having them here has made me feel much happier and more relaxed, I’m starting to wonder if getting a dog might be a good idea and forget the whole romance business. Louis the chocolate Labrador is due back in October, but apart from that, I don’t have any more bookings. Several people have cancelled due to the cost.
I’ve just wasted an hour on the Yours dating site. They don’t tell you how much it costs until after you’ve uploaded your details.

Saturday, 30 July 2011

I spent some more time sending stories out to The Weekly News and Yours, then took the dogs for a walk. I'm going to miss them more than I can say. They've been a complete joy.
After that I’ve been working on my novel. I want to get some printed on Lulu in time for Swanwick. All that’s left to do is upload it and create a cover. I’m too tired to do much more so the garden will have to wait. .
Oh yes, almost forgot the highlight of the day – I completed the cryptic crossword in today’s Telegraph!!!

Friday, 29 July 2011

I spent today rewriting previously rejected stories so that I could send them to the next market. I managed to send 2 to Woman’s Weekly, 2 to Take a Break/Fiction Feast plus find one that might be OK for Yours.
I need to find at least one to send to The Weekly News and a couple of Australia then I can spend the rest of the weekend getting my novel published on Lulu.
While I’m here, a quick thank you to people who have been in touch regarding my miserable blind date record. As somebody said, things can only get better.
Maybe there’ll be somebody at Swanwick……….

Thursday, 28 July 2011

I’ve gained a new pupil from Oz so I’ve been looking at their work and setting homework. I’m also starting to look forward to Swanwick, Not long now. I want to lose five pounds in weight before then so no more late night snaking. My resolve abandoned me last night as I was so disappointed when my blind date didn’t live up to expectations
Having the 2 dogs here is so brilliant. It’s going to be hard when they go.

Wednesday, 27 July 2011

No, the blind date didn’t work out well. In the flesh he seemed much older and flabbier too. It’s such a shame as he sounded amazing on the phone. I’m not sure he was impressed by me either!
I’ll check at the weekend to see if the ad had any more replies. Meanwhile, it’s carry on looking.

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

I went to see my therapist this morning. The problem I’m having is I understand the techniques and what she wants me to do. I know they can work. I just can’t seem to make myself stick to them. Must try harder!
Today was another day I didn’t feel like working so I finished my book (the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, took the dogs for a walk and pottered about. I’m now deciding whether to do some gardening to fill up the brown bin which gets emptied tomorrow.
I’m still having trouble with my leg. Had a nasty bite from some bug or scratch from bramble or similar which has been giving me trouble for days. Oh well, better do something useful. Secateurs, here I come.

Monday, 25 July 2011

I’m not sure why, but today I seem to have run completely out of steam. In the past five days I’ve written four new stories and it’s as though there’s nothing left to give. I tired to do some work, but in the end gave up and spent most of the day reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, with a small dog on my lap.
The only thing I’ve achieved today is arranging to meet Lonely Heart number 3 on Wednesday. It's scary as he sounds wonderful on the phone.

Sunday, 24 July 2011

I set myself a target this morning – finish two more Christmas stories and get them sent of, then watch the start of the Grand Prix, then chill out. I managed parts one and two, but haven’t got round to the resting bit yet. I still need to play on my Wii fit for at least 20 minutes as I want to lose an inch from my waist ( and a few pounds) before Swanwick and as that’s in mid August, I don’t have much time.

Saturday, 23 July 2011

Thank goodness my stories appear to be flowing again.
I almost finished another Christmas story today. It needs a bit of work so I’m going to leave it overnight and come back to it tomorrow. The people at number 122 are having a BBQ to celebrate his 60th birthday. They’re the ones I looked after the greyhounds for the other day. I’m not a big fan of BBQs, but they’re nice people so couldn’t say no.
Not having heard from Lonely Heart number 3, I sent him a text. He rang me straight back saying he’d been too busy all week to get into Leeds and will call next week sometime. Half an hour ago he called again saying he could be in Leeds in half an hour. I had to say sorry but no. I want to meet him very much but I don’t want to be late for the BBQ. There aren’t many people going.
The dogs are being really good. Woody, the dachshund is so pretty. I really must do a painting of him sometime. I’ll take some photos tomorrow. Now I must dash.

Friday, 22 July 2011

Today, Woody the miniature dachshund and Snoopy the black Labrador arrived.
It was chaos.
Woody managed to find a small gap in the fence round the pond. I went to get him, and of course, Snoopy followed me. He jumped straight into the water.
Once his owner had left, I found something to block the gap. They were so excited Woody kept having tiny accidents. Then Snoopy decided to have a big one – must have been at least a pint. Thank goodness for laminate flooring.
As often happens when new dogs arrived, I started to wonder why I boarded dogs! After a couple of hours they began to settle down a bit. Snoopy likes to have fun. I don’t think he has much of a brain, but Woody is more sensitive. He’s had to have plenty of cuddles. Of course, if I cuddle him, Snoopy wants his share too.
Before they arrived, I’d just finished a Christmas story for Take a Break. Somehow, I also managed to finish another one later so I was able to send two off. I’m going to stay in Christmas mode all weekend and see where I am after that. .
I haven’t heard from Duncan. He was meant to call e this week to arrange a meeting, but he seems to have chickened out. I’ll see if I can bear to wait a bit longer then send him an email.
Right now I feel pretty much bushed. It’s surprising how tiring the mental effort of writing stories can be. As it keeps trying to rain, I’ll probably give the garden a miss tonight, and crash out. I haven’t done that for several days so it will make a nice change.
If I’m lucky, Woody might give me a cuddle.

Thursday, 21 July 2011

Norah McGrath, fiction editor of Take a break and fiction Feast has asked me to send as many Xmas stories to her as I can, so that’s what I’ve been doing most of today, trying to sort out some story lines.
I’ve almost finished one story with another that I’m not sure about. I’m going to stop now and do something completely different as that often helps to get the mind working.
Lulu delivered a batch of books today. It’s the next in my series of writers’ guides. Now all I need to do is ask may friend Jack if he can proof read it for me.
Another society has also booked me to give a talk which is great.

Wednesday, 20 July 2011

It’s amazing the boost a couple of sales can give you.
This morning I sold a story to Australia, second rights, for more than I sold it originally which was great. I just had time to send off the invoice before heading off to The West Yorkshire Playhouse for a drama workshop. I had such a good time. Working in a large group, with all kinds of people putting in their tuppence worth. Somehow it all came together. Much of it was improvisation which I really enjoy. I’d like to join the group but they meet on a Tuesday and I can’t afford the time. I’ll see how things look in a few months.
Before I set off, I came up with 2 vague ideas for Christmas stories. Now I need to work on those and see if I can round them out. What I’d really like to do is go to sleep. Thanks to being depressed, social interaction wears me out. I had intended to go to Spice Leeds tonight as they have a prospective new members night, but I didn’t want to miss the drama session. The weather is dreadful too, so that’s scuppered Spice again (sorry Helen). I WILL get there soon, I promise, but right now I need to put work first. Tomorrow is crosswords and on Friday, the two dogs arrived, plus I want some time put aside for when Duncan gets in touch. He’s the next Lonely Heart I plan to meet, so fingers crossed that it will be third time lucky.

Tuesday, 19 July 2011

There don’t seem to be enough hours in the day at the moment. Norah bought a story which is great as I was starting to get worried. Of course she then asked me to send in any festive/Christmassy stories which I wasn’t expecting. I’d work another couple of hours, but I’m already feeling bushed. I’m sure if I lost some weight I’d feel better. I’ve set myself a target to lose seven pounds before Swanwick. As that’s only four week away, I need to make sure I don’t get tempted by too many late night snacks.
It looks like it’s about to rain. I was meant to be doing some gardening but I don’t think I’m going to make it.

Monday, 18 July 2011

Too tired to write very much. It’s gone nine. Today I met second man, Eric. Not sure. He seemed old but very bright. Will wait and see if he wants to see me again. After that, I hit the shops as I badly needed a raincoat after ruining mine on last trip to London. Also bought 2 dresses. I made sure to get home after my lodger left to see his girlfriend as I wanted to avoid having to talk to him. I’ve just been working on the second in my series of guides for writers. It’s done and ordered so if it arrives quickly, and my friendly local proof reader has time, it should be ready to take to Swanwick. .

Sunday, 17 July 2011

Now that I’ve finished the non fiction book, it was time to move on to something else so I’ve got on with the next in my series of writing guides. It’s called REJECTION AND HOW TO AVOID IT (AND IF YOU CAN’T AVOID IT, HOW TO DEAL WITH THE PAIN). I want to have it ready for Swanwick which is only a few weeks away now. With any luck, I’ll have number three ready too.
I’m using my Wii fit again. I’ve decided I’m fed up being in bad shape so it’s back to exercising for at least half an hour every day. I managed an hour today. I’ve cut a piece of string that goes round my waist so that I can physically see the inches falling away.
I’m feeling a lot more motivated at the moment. I’m not sure why. It could be finishing the book, going to see Rachael (my CBT therapist) or having some men to talk to, thanks to the Lonely Hearts Ad. I’m particularly enjoying talking to one. He has the most wonderful voice. We’re talking about meeting this week. I hope it works out as I would love to keep talking to him. I’m meeting somebody else tomorrow. I’m not sure about this one. He’s very intelligent and obviously enjoys a good discussion. Each time we talk, it soon becomes very deep. I just hope there’s a lighter side to him. I’ll find out soon enough.
My ex’s new relationship seems to be going well. He’s going out with her again tomorrow. I really want it to work out well for him as he’s driving me mad at the moment. I’d love for him to get serious about somebody as then he’d be out of my hair.

I thought any writers out there might find this useful It came from the workshop I did on Wednesday.

LINDA LEWIS’S TOP TEN SHORT STORY WRITING TIPS

1. READ AS MANY SHORT STORIES AS YOU CAN
2. STUDY THE MARKET BEFORE SENDING ANYTHING OUT
3. CHECK THE WORD COUNT FITS THE MARKET/COMPETITION
4. HAVE A STRONG OPENING LINE
5. END THE STORY SOONER RATHER THAN LATER
6. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHOSE STORY IT IS YOU ARE TELLING
7. IF POSSIBLE, LINK THE END AND THE BEGINNING
8. READ STORIES OUT LOUD BEFORE SUBMITTING THEM
9. PROOF READ WITH CARE
and most importantly of all
10. KEEP TRYING AND NEVER GIVE UP.

Friday, 15 July 2011

I seemed to have packed a lot in today. Went to Tescos, then started work on the book. After lunch I took a two hour break in which I painted the wardrobe trim and the pelmet in my bedroom, made a panna cotta and finished a painting of a neighbour’s cat. At four I went back to work on the book finishing just after seven having reached page 175 out of 230. I really hope I can get it finished tomorrow as I want to get it printed on Lulu ready for Swanwick.
The Swanwick brochure arrived yesterday and I can’t believe the amount of things that are going on. If you want, you can do something from 8 in the morning right through until midnight. I can’t wait.
I’ve been texting one of the men from the Lonely Hearts and have arranged to call him tomorrow to sort out a time and place to meet. It’s been fun having him to talk to and text but I’m going to have to meet him one day.
It’s been threatening to rain all day and I really would like to get into the garden. Can’t do that when it’s too hot. I just don’t do heat. Fingers crossed it stays dry and I can get some of the weeds pulled up!

Thursday, 14 July 2011

Both greyhounds behaved extremely well while they were here today so that was good. Their owners came to collect them an hour ago. Apparently it’s the first time they‘ve left the dogs with anyone so I feel quite honoured.
I was on the phone when they arrived (earlier than expected), speaking to a second man from the lonely hearts ad. He sounds scarily intelligent. We’ve arranged to meet next Monday, just for a coffee. He says he’s not worried what I look like which is good, but as I have no idea what he looks like either…………

The workshop at Ripon Yarns went very well. It was hard work, mainly because it was the first time I’d done a whole day’s workshop on my own. When it was over, I felt shattered, but happy. I know I can do it now.
Today didn’t start as planned. I was expecting two dogs to be delivered between 8 and 9, so when the bell rang at 7.15, I wasn’t dressed, let alone ready to receive visitors. My lodger had, apparently, been told about the time change but hadn’t passed the information on. So there I was, still drowsy, having to wake up pretty fast in order to take in all the info about feeding, walking, habits and so on with two greyhounds dashing about exploring the house and their owners looking bemused because I wasn’t dressed.
The dogs seem to have settled already which is good. Ted, the fawn one, looks like his colour. When he’s stretched out on the floor he could be a small deer. He’s big enough too.

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Last night, I went to an evening meeting at Leeds Writers Circle for the first time in 2011. It was the judging go the screenplay competition. Only 7 people entered and I came nowhere, which as there were four prizes was a blow. Still, at least I went for a change.
This morning I saw my therapist for the second time. She’s really nice and seems to have a handle on the problems I’ve been facing, so I’m feeling optimistic that seeing her is going to help. I spent the rest of the day preparing the programme for tomorrow’s workshop as well as going into Leeds city centre to meet the first of the men who answered my ad. His name was Alan and he was very nice. We had a lot in common, mainly music, but I’m not sure he’ll want to see me again. I’ve left it up to him as he would need to do the travelling. I’m just happy to have got the first one under my belt as I really am so out of practice with this kind of thing.
Funnily enough, it’s left me feeling rather tired which is strange. I might just catch up on some reading. I haven’t read the competition winners in Writers Forum for a while.

Monday, 11 July 2011

This morning, a trip quick to Garforth to browse the shops. Then I had to plan Wednesday’s workshop. Still more to do on that. Tonight, for the first time this year, I’m going to a Monday night meeting at Leeds Writers Circle. 7.30 Carriageworks. All welcome

Sunday, 10 July 2011

I’ve had a very good day.
I managed to get loads of things done inc painting bits of wood trim for the wardrobe, and the frame of the wardrobe itself. I also cut the grass & most exciting of all, I spoke to two of the men who answered my Lonely Hearts ad.
The first was one I thought had written me off. I’d sent a photo by email and had no response, but then he texted me asking to talk to me again. I was on the phone for 40 minutess. He has such a nice voice, but I’m taking it one step at a time. As he’s seen my picture, I’ve asked him to send me one of him. The second man finally answered his phone after I’d tried several times to reach him. He sounded nice too, and we chatted again for about 40 minutes. I’ve said I’ll call him again on Thursday then decide if we should meet.
AND I worked on the book.

Saturday, 9 July 2011

I won 3rd prize for my bowl of berries.
One gooseberry surrounded by wild strawberries surrounded by raspberries, surrounded by strawberries, all from my wonderful garden.
My photos and flowers came nowhere. The big flower show’s on August 13th which is the day I set off for Swanwick which is a shame. Hopefully I can at least put in a painting or two if I give them to next door the day before.
I squeezed in a quick watercolour sketch before dinner this evening. Painting always makes me feel ‘naughty’ as though I should be doing something else. I’m tempted to have another go now but the garden needs some work.
Sometimes it’s so hard to decide what to do because whatever it is I choose to do, there are at least another six jobs I could be doing.
I think I’ll spend another hour on the book because the sooner that’s done I can get on with something more pleasurable.

My mood has been very down these past few days, mainly thanks to the lack of sales to Fiction Feast. Now Take A Break have suspended fiction, the paranoid part of me is wondering if they plan to axe Fiction Feast too. I’ve been trying to write, but the stories have been coming out wrong. They don’t have any fizz.
Of course the other thing on my mind is my ex husband who recently started seeing somebody. I’ve wanted him to do this for years, but now that he has, I’m jealous. Not because I want him for myself (we’re about as incompatible as it’s possible to be) but because it’s so easy for him. Everywhere we go, there are dozens of attractive, single women. All he had to do was choose one. For me, it’s proving so much harder. Firstly there are far fewer men and secondly most of them are married. The ones that are left have been unsuitable due to age, height or intelligence. I’ve tried an ad in the Yorkshire Post, speed dating, Heydays, and so far, zilch. They say that when you’re looking for something, you don’t find it. That love comes along when you don’t expect it. That gives me a massive problem because everywhere I go, I imagine the possibilities of meeting somebody. I’m a writer, that’s what I do.
I was up bright and early this morning picking fruit and flowers to enter into the gardening club flower show. I don’t grow many of the things there are classes for – roses, delphiniums, pelargoniums, broad beans, so I entered some photos, a bowl of mixed berries and two vases of cut flowers. The next show (August) is the big one. They have art as well as plants and I hope repeat last year’s success when I won first prize in the painting class with a portrait
My office is looking much tidier now, thanks to the new bespoke cupboard/wardrobe. I still have trouble finding things though. It will take some time to get used to the new arrangement.
Now I need to get on with the book. I’m laying it out ready to go on Lulu. Once it’s done, I can forget about it and hopefully the short stories will start to flow properly again.

Thursday, 7 July 2011

My latest book, courtesy of Lulu, arrived today. It’s a collection of crime stories. I’ve given it to Jack who runs the crossword group as he’s a brilliant proof reader. He seems to like doing it too which is great as I couldn’t afford to pay him.
I’ve spent much of today and yesterday sorting out my office. I found a half finished novel I'd completely forogtten about!
I bought a wardrobe from Argos which my lodger has fitted out with shelves. Once I’ve got everything organised, I’ll be able to put things away, shut the doors, and bingo, a tidy office. Nothing short of miraculous really.
My plan is to write on Friday and Sunday when John is out of the way. I’m waiting for Fiction Feast to buy some stories to give me the impetus to write some more. Meanwhile, I have the book to lay out so that I can get Lulu to print it for me. I’ve decided not to send it out to agents but to let the fates decide what happens.
After that, I plan to rewrite one of my novels. It’s too good to give up on and I think by brining it up to date and adding a darker edge, it will work.
Between showers, I picked kohl rabi, spinach beet, raspberries, strawberries and 2 gooseberries for dinner. I’ve never even tried spinach beet before, but the seeds weren’t dear, so I thought I’d give it a try.

Tuesday, 5 July 2011

Another hot day, but with a showery twist.
I went to see the CBT therapist this morning. After an hour, she decided that it might work for me, and so I’m seeing her again, same time next week.
I made myself sit down and write something this afternoon. I wont know how good it is until it’s typed up, but at least I wrote a story.
On my way home this morning I bought a painting by numbers kit from a charity shop which has water based oil paints. I spent 20 minutes doing lot sof fiddly black bits. My thinking, if I do some painting by numbers I might allow myself to spend time doing some ‘proper’ painting. It’s also a good way to have a go at water based oils and see how they work.
Now to get ready for tonight. John is dropping me off but he’s going out so it will have to be a taxi home. There’s only one bus an hour and I don’t fancy hanging about with the weather so unsettled. As the WI are paying me a fee, I won’t be out of pocket.

Monday, 4 July 2011

I had lots of annoying fiddly things to do to day, like sending out stories to markets to keep the numbers up, go to B and Q to get some trim for my sliding wardrobe, and move the paperwork and shelves to make room for the wardrobe/cupboard that’s due tomorrow. I can’t wait to be able to hide all my paperwork and files out of sight. My office is, frankly, a mess at the moment and there are times when that gets me down, hence the new cupboard.
Tomorrow, first thing, I have an appointment (at last) to see a counsellor. What they’re offering me is CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) but I’m not sure that’s what I want right now. I know I need somebody I can talk to abut Mum, but I also need to find a way to feel better about myself so that I have a chance of making some friends. Since all the problems blew up, and I effectively lost my mother, I’ve felt more alone than I have ever done.
I wish the weather would make up its mind. All these sudden heatwaves are hard to cope with, then the moment I get used to the heat, the temperature plummets. No wonder the English talk about the weather so much.
I was meant to be going to the Writers Circle tonight, but it’s hot and muggy and manuscript evenings don't really interest me, I don't read my stories, and I don't comment on other people's poems so I’m not going to bother. Again. I haven't been to an evening meeting at all this year! Being depressed doesn't help. It's like all my energy has to go into doing what I have to do. There's nothing left over.

Sunday, 3 July 2011

I was up early today as I knew I was going to miss several hours thanks to the tennis. By 9.15 I’d cleared my emails, read 2 chapters of the Secret Life of Bees, done the washing and watered the garden then I set to work on my next Lulu book – a collection of short stories with crime as the theme. I managed to get it all done including designing a cover using one of my photos. It’s now on order so when the book arrives I can check it through and order more to sell.
As it’s July, it was time to email my once a month sub to My Weekly. As always, it took ages to decide which one to send then I had to cut it down to the required 700 words. Now lunch & tennis. After that, if it cools down, I might tackle the grass!

Saturday, 2 July 2011

I spent most of the day at The West Yorkshire playhouse taking part in the Quarry Hill Festival. We rehearsed for an hour and a half then performed two sets together with a group of young people. Te weather was so good, we were able to perform outdoors. After that, I signed up for Operating Theatre. A group of us went into the small theatre and ‘put on’ five minutes of the Wizard of Oz. I ended up playing the Tin Man which is quite apt really as the place where my heart should be is definitely empty right now.
After that I had a look at Gay Abandon (a rather talented choir) as they rehearsed . I’d hoped to be able to join in, but it was rather more formal than that – they had a concert looming. I’d intended to go look at the Food Festival but it was hot and I didn’t fancy the walk.
By the time I got home, the ladies final was over but I don’t think I missed much by all accounts.
Now to make a start on putting another book together. This time a collection of crime stories.

Friday, 1 July 2011

Today a man came and fitted blinds to part of the conservatory roof. Before he arrived I reached the end of the book about Mum. I then had to decide what to do with it – leave it where it was, publish it on Lulu, or try and find an agent. It didn’t take long to decide on option 2. That way I can have the book for sale when I give talks, go to festivals etc, and one day the right person will get to read it, want to publish it and bingo….
Once that’s sorted ( it will take me another few days to get the book laid out as I want it on Lulu) I can get on with revising my novel. I’m giving myself until Swanwick to do that, so that once again, I can have it with me……..
I was very brave today. I contacted four of the five men who left messages as a result of my Lonely Hearts Ad. The fifth one didn’t answer his phone. Of the four, one is probably a no straightaway. I’m not that bothered about looks or age, but I am bothered about intelligence and I don’t think he fits the bill. I’ve asked him to write as that’s often a good way to check that kind of thing.
The second one sounded good, but he’s not on email so no chance to easily swap photos. He said he’d ring when he was in Leeds and we could meet up. The third again seemed nice but his photo when he emailed wasn’t flattering. It was more his clothes than his looks. Which leads me to number four. A surveyor, tall, rich and out of my league. He’s looking for the kind of woman I would describe as high maintenance – good clothes, makeup, manicures, etc. I have terrible clothes, don’t like wearing loads of make up and have never had a manicure in my life. He gave me his email address so I’ll drop him a line in a day or so, but I’m not confident. I’ve always aimed low with my men. I don’t think I know how to aim high, but I haven’t given up completely, not yet anyway. And I still have number 5 to speak to.
After lunch I indulged my love of Wimbledon and watched the men’s semi finals. I’m now rooting for Djovic (I’ve spelt that wrong I know) as he has such passion and such wonderful hair. I get the urge to stroke it whenever I see him.
Tomorrow I’m off to the West Yorkshire Playhouse for the Big Sing. Then I’m going to Operating Theatre which is a quick look at operating the lights and sounds for the theatre.
I might try to get to Millennium Square for the food but will have to see how my legs and the weather hold out.

Today a man came and fitted blinds to part of the conservatory roof. Before he arrived I reached the end of the book about Mum. I then had to decide what to do with it – leave it where it was, publish it on Lulu, or try and find an agent. It didn’t take long to decide on option 2. That way I can have the book for sale when I give talks, go to festivals etc, and one day the right person will get to read it, want to publish it and bingo….
Once that’s sorted ( it will take me another few days to get the book laid out as I want it on Lulu) I can get on with revising my novel. I’m giving myself until Swanwick to do that, so that once again, I can have it with me……..
I was very brave today. I contacted four of the five men who left messages as a result of my Lonely Hearts Ad. The fifth one didn’t answer his phone. Of the four, one is probably a no straightaway. I’m not that bothered about looks or age, but I am bothered about intelligence and I don’t think he fits the bill. I’ve asked him to write as that’s often a good way to check that kind of thing.
The second one sounded good, but he’s not on email so no chance to easily swap photos. He said he’d ring when he was in Leeds and we could meet up. The third again seemed nice but his photo when he emailed wasn’t flattering. It was more his clothes than his looks. Which leads me to number four. A surveyor, tall, rich and out of my league. He’s looking for the kind of woman I would describe as high maintenance – good clothes, makeup, manicures, etc. I have terrible clothes, don’t like wearing loads of make up and have never had a manicure in my life. He gave me his email address so I’ll drop him a line in a day or so, but I’m not confident. I’ve always aimed low with my men. I don’t think I know how to aim high, but I haven’t given up completely, not yet anyway. And I still have number 5 to speak to.
After lunch I indulged my love of Wimbledon and watched the men’s semi finals. I’m now rooting for Djovic (I’ve spelt that wrong I know) as he has such passion and such wonderful hair. I get the urge to stroke it whenever I see him.
Tomorrow I’m off to the West Yorkshire Playhouse for the Big Sing. Then I’m going to Operating Theatre which is a quick look at operating the lights and sounds for the theatre.
I might try to get to Millennium Square for the food but will have to see how my legs and the weather hold out.

About Me

I write for a living, have done since 2003. I have lost count of how many stories I have sold to women's magazines, but it's at least six hundred.
My main markets are Woman's Weekly Take a Break's Fiction Feast and the People's Friend. I also give talks, run workshops and teach. My first book for writers was published in 2012 and is called THE WRITER'S TREASURY OF IDEAS. I have also published several books designed to help writers to improve their craft and find ideas.
At the moment, I live in Leeds.
I'm divorced and even though I'm in my (early) sixties, I still believe that one day, I will find true love.
Cue the violins!